7 of 10

Write now Article Tools

From a very early age (about 11) my family doctor felt I suffered from "Depression" and handed me freebie anti-depressants to try. I wasn't thrilled about taking them, they usually had a tranquilizing effect that I hated but I found they were great to take if you couldn't sleep. I had plenty of reason to be depressed, but I won't bore you with them. For many years I dealt with my depression the best I could. I didn't suffer as badly as some people I heard about but I had my bouts with suicide attempts, which were not noticed so I continued to struggle. Years later after many new drugs had been discovered I consented to try "Prozac" during a rough period in my life. I must admit I thought it was great, it helped and it didn't sedate me. I compared it to taking Tylenol for a headache. After the rough period got a bit easier I stopped taking the medication and I did pretty well for a while. Then I hit another rough period although I still can't say whether I was suffering from stress or physical illness, but I was crying at commercials and I thought that was a bit too emotional so I sought help once again. I was put on Prozac once more and it did what it was supposed to do, unfortunately the road didn't get any easier and I continued on Prozac for years. Only when other health issues came into question did I begin to question my long term use of the drug. Even before I stopped the Prozac I had noticed I was not able to follow certain things... I was unable to read a poem, and follow its meaning, I was experiencing "brain fogs". I weaned myself off of Prozac and I began taking Omega III fish oils to help with my brain function. I have had good results with this and I take other herbs and supplements that may help too!

My depression isn't totally gone and still can rear its ugly head but age and experience has given me greater coping skills and I have managed to avoid suicidal attempts for years. I think I am doing much better off of medication but that doesn't mean everyone will succeed in leaving medication behind. Researching your options and taking an active role in the treatment of your depression will help any individual. Therapy can also help a lot, we all have problems and it helps to know you are not alone, there are groups and individual therapy available for most people either through your health insurance or through your community. Often there are sliding scale fees for those who don't have insurance. If thats not possible there is often help available through churches or self-help groups. Often a good friend can be just as therapeutic as a therapist, someone who is a good listener. There are many ways to attack depression and each person who suffers from it must find what helps them... and it isn't always a matter of popping a pill. This helps when there are chemical imbalances in the brain but there are also other avenues that a person can explore. Remember when working with a therapist, you may not immediately find someone who works with you the way you need, if you don't feel the therapist is helping find another. Life is full of challenges and even the strongest people become overwhelmed at times, there is no shame in being depressed and no reason to not search for the best ways to combat it for the individual so that we can all find the greatest enjoyment of life!

Learn more about this author, Carol Wise.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Countering depression without using prescription medication?
We want to hear your view. Write now!